Jeanne Tripplehorn Joins Criminal Minds as Series Regular

Jeanne Tripplehorn | Photo Credits: Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images

Jeanne Tripplehorn is joining Criminal Minds as a series regular, CBS announced Thursday.

The Big Love alum will replace Paget Brewster, who left the series this spring.

"We're thrilled to have Jeanne Tripplehorn join our team as a profiler," said executive producer Erica Messer. "Her character will be introduced in the premiere. It's an exciting way to start Season 8."

Earlier this month, Messer voiced a very different opinion, saying that she didn't want to add a new character, but CBS did. "My initial vote was that I don't want to replace her," Messer said. "I feel like the team could function without anyone else, but I'm getting a lot of other opinions that weigh in."

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Tripplehorn is best known as the no-nonsense Barb Henrickson on HBO's Big Love. She recently showed off her comedy chops in a multi-episode arc on New Girl as Dermot Mulroney's slightly unstable ex-wife.

How do you feel about Tripplehorn replacing Brewster?